Ending human-carnivore conflict in Tanzania

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Descriptions & Plan

Lions face violence from local pastoralists.

Lion populations across Africa face many threats to their continued existence. Habitat loss, disease, and violence all threaten the future of these majestic predators. In the Maasai Steppe Heartland, lions are often targeted for death after killing livestock or scaring local pastoralists. As a result, lion numbers are decreasing, as humans and carnivores grow to be more at odds with each other.

Predator-proof bomas save livestock—and lions.

Involving pastoralist communities is critical to the success of any lion conservation initiative. Because retaliation is the primary motivation for killing lions, one strategy for reducing human-lion conflicts is to improve livestock security by reinforcing the enclosures where livestock are kept at night (called bomas) with chain-link fencing. (Traditionally, the Maasai use the wood of acacia trees, which has not proven sufficient in preventing enterprising lions from attacking.)

This method of making bomas predator proof can be expensive for pastoralist families, so African Wildlife Foundation supports them through a cost-sharing program. This has greatly reduced the number of livestock eaten by lions and, as a result, has also decreased the number of lions killed in retribution.

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Reason #75 to get involved

The African lion is in critical danger, with some predicting extinction by 2020. This isn't just a tragedy to the species; it would also cause major ecological problems. Help us continue crucial efforts like reducing human-wildlife conflicts that threaten the lion.

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Reason #80 to get involved

In a 1900 census, the cheetah population was around 100,000. Today, only 9,000 remain in Africa. With less prey and habitat—and pursued by hunters—the cheetah is at a high risk of extinction. With your help AWF can continue providing incentives to locals to prevent hunting.

Reason #67 to get involved

Already vulnerable to a number of natural predators, the kudu now faces loss of habitat due to habitat destruction and poaching. When you support African Wildlife Foundation, you support local communities’ efforts to protect wildlife habitats.